INTERVIEW 24 SSD_Q&A_Shaima Al Zarooni.indd 24 04/03/2015 13:56
INTERVIEW Q & A HE Shaima Al Zarooni CEO, International Humanitarian City HE Shaima Al Zarooni talks about her focus on extending awareness of the global humanitarian agenda into the many other spheres of public life that she is committed to. <strong>SOURCE</strong>: <strong>Sustainable</strong> <strong>Development</strong> You are well known as being a member of, and involved in, quite a number of national and international institutions and bodies. Can you remind us of some of those? Shaima Al Zarooni I was privileged to be a member of various local and international institutions [such] as the Executive Office of UAE National Olympic Committee, Dubai Free Zones Council, DIHAD Scientific Advisory Board, Humanitarian Partnership and Information Sharing Steering Committee, External Advisory Council of the University of Wollongong in Dubai, Prestigious Judge on the 2013 and 2014 Hult Prize Committee, Sphere Project Trainer: Humanitarian Charter & Min. Standards in Humanitarian Response, and I was a mentor of Hamdan Bin Mohammed Student Personal <strong>Development</strong> Programme. SSD That’s quite a schedule – and the guiding principle between them is your humanitarian work? Shaima Al Zarooni Definitely, joining those institutions is in line with my humanitarian work main objectives. And it maximizes the role of the International Humanitarian City (IHC) and its engagement in various sectors – which enhances partnership, collaborations, and humanitarian efforts on a local and an international level. SSD In your closing remarks to the 11th DIHAD in March 2014 you said that one of the key points that the event highlighted was how women can take the lead in solving major social and economic problems, especially in areas like agriculture, nutrition, and small-scale businesses. How do you think that aspiration has developed since a year ago? Shaima Al Zarooni I am inspired by the leadership of UAE, and especially HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to ‘Vice-President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. The UAE is keen to empower women, and encourages them to assume leadership positions in various sectors. We in the UAE are keen to find best solutions and methods to support women, also to praise Emirati women’s achievements in the public sector, of which they now make up 66 per cent of the workforce. SSD Another important point that you made in your closing remarks last year referred to the fact that a disabling outcome of conflicts for women caught-up in them is that their access to education becomes blocked. Could you update us on any positive developments that have occurred that are relevant to this issue? Shaima Al Zarooni Education is the most important element in the development of any nation, and women in particular are the first to be affected by any conflict, being less fortunate in underdeveloped countries. To overcome this challenge, we need to give more attention to the educational development projects and ensure that it is serving females equally. During my last visit to the Syrian refugee camps in Jordan, I had the chance to meet smart and intelligent young women who are keen to continue their education despite all the challenges and lack of resources. The UAE government is supporting several educational programmes around the world and we shall continue our work. According to UNICEF reports, while most of the Millennium <strong>Development</strong> Goals face a deadline of 2015, the gender parity target was set to be achieved a full ten years earlier – an acknowledgement that equal access to education is the foundation for all other development goals. Yet recent statistics show that for every 100 boys out of school, there are still 117 girls in the same situation. SSD What is the outcome of that statistic? Shaima Al Zarooni Until equal numbers of girls and boys are in school, it will be impossible to build the knowledge necessary to eradicate poverty and hunger, combat disease, and ensure environmental ▲ 25 SSD_Q&A_Shaima Al Zarooni.indd 25 04/03/2015 13:56
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